Candace Parker Facing Backlash Over Angel Reese Decision
Candace Parker's Podcast Launch Sparks Social Media Firestorm
WNBA Legend Draws Backlash for Using Angel Reese's Name to Promote New Show
Candace Parker, the two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion, has teamed up with Indiana Fever All-Star Aliyah Boston for a new podcast called "Post Moves," launching on Wednesday. However, Parker's promotional strategy ignited controversy among fans after a teaser clip featuring her discussing Angel Reese went viral on social media Tuesday.
The teaser clip asks "Who would you choose to take over as the face of basketball: Angel Reese?" This seemingly simple question sparked a wave of criticism directed at Parker.
Fans Express Frustration
Social media users flooded X with responses criticizing Parker's choice of words, accusing her of using Reese's name solely for clicks and attention.
"Speaking about Angel must be the only way to be heard on a Podcast or to stay relevant?" one user questioned. Another commented, "Candace we still talking about Angel?!"
Some fans even demanded that Parker stop mentioning Reese altogether, stating that it was becoming "too much."
Parker Defends Her Stance
Despite the backlash, Parker maintains that she isn't a hater. In the teaser clip, she states, "I, in no way, shape or form am a hater." However, fan responses suggest that many remain unconvinced.
A Calculated Risk?
Parker is known for her strategic thinking and understanding of what generates attention. While fans express frustration over her use of Reese's name, it’s undeniable that the strategy worked. The teaser clip garnered over 1.2 million views on X in just a few hours, generating hundreds of comments and bookmarks.
Interestingly, Parker also leveraged Boston's connection to Fever superstar Caitlin Clark for promotional purposes. However, this approach did not elicit the same level of negativity from fans.
The Power of Reese's Name
Angel Reese currently holds the title of the most popular WNBA player based on social media following, boasting over 11 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and X. Reese's own podcast, "Unapologetically Angel," even used Clark in the thumbnail for its debut episode to generate buzz.
This incident highlights the immense power that Reese holds within the WNBA landscape, demonstrating how mentioning her name can spark immediate attention and conversation, regardless of the context.